-
Perform tests to check the qualities and grades of products, such as assessing levels of bottom sediment, water, and foreign materials in oil samples, using centrifugal testers.
-
Collect product samples by turning bleeder valves, or by lowering containers into tanks to obtain oil samples.
-
Inspect pipelines, tightening connections and lubricating valves as necessary.
-
Prepare calculations for receipts and deliveries of oil and oil products.
-
Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.
-
Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
-
Read and analyze specifications, schedules, logs, test results, and laboratory recommendations to determine how to set equipment controls to produce the required qualities and quantities of products.
-
Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.
-
Record and compile operating data, instrument readings, documentation, and results of laboratory analyses.
-
Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
-
Conduct general housekeeping of units, including wiping up oil spills and performing general cleaning duties.
-
Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.
-
Synchronize activities with other pumphouses to ensure a continuous flow of products and a minimum of contamination between products.
-
Coordinate shutdowns and major projects.
-
Patrol units to monitor the amount of oil in storage tanks, and to verify that activities and operations are safe, efficient, and in compliance with regulations.
-
Calculate test result values, using standard formulas.
-
Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.
-
Lower thermometers into tanks to obtain temperature readings.
-
Clean interiors of processing units by circulating chemicals and solvents within units.
-
Clamp seals around valves to secure tanks.
-
Read automatic gauges at specified intervals to determine the flow rate of oil into or from tanks, and the amount of oil in tanks.
-
Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.
-
Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
-
Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.